Jerry L. DeJean 1939-2013

October 2, 2013

He was born Aug. 24, 1939, in Ashtabula, the son of Roy and Lois Platt DeJean.

Following his graduation from Johnston High School, Jerry enlisted in 1961 with the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War with the 405th Field Maintenance Squadron. He concluded his service to our country honorably in 1976 having attained the rank of staff sergeant and had received the small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

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Jerry L. DeJean

Jerry was a graduate of Miami University in Florida and spent his career in aviation as a pilot working for the former Beckett Aviation. He also served as a flight examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. He retired as the chief pilot for the Cafaro Co. in 2005 with more than 15,000 hours of flight time.

In his free time, Jerry loved spending time with his grandchildren, woodworking, doing various projects around his home and was a "master of all trades." He was a member of the VFW Post 3521 in Vienna and Fowler Community Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Hartman DeJean, whom he married Oct. 29, 1982. Also surviving are his children Michael Penrose of Vienna, Jerry "Chip" (Connie) DeJean of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Bruce (Pam) DeJean, Marc (Stephanie) Penrose and Sheryl "Sheri" (Vince Quagliariello) DeJean, all of Fowler; grandchildren Alexis (Jeff), Ashley, Jake, Abbey, Bobbi, Brandon, Jerry, Cheston, Anthony and Alivia; great-grandchildren Wesley and Marcella; his brother, Douglas (Betsey) DeJean of Fowler; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Paul, and daughter-in-law Terry Penrose.

Calling hours for friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday the Madasz Chapel of Lane Family Funeral Homes, 6923 Warren-Sharon Road, Brookfield, OH 44403, 330-448-6969.

Military funeral honors will be observed at 10 a.m. at the funeral home on Friday, followed by funeral services with the Rev. Joel Dickson officiating.

Burial will follow at the Dugan Cemetery in Fowler.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley Trumbull County.

Family and friends may view this memorial tribute and send condolences to lanefuneralhomes.com.